Journey Partners is a two-year training program in spiritual direction—a historic practice within the Christian tradition. Spiritual direction is the art of walking beside others as they listen for the voice of God in their lives. It employs both God-given gifts and carefully cultivated skills.

Journey Partners students participate in six retreats, all held at The Grey Center in Canton. Each retreat includes times for large-group study, Sabbath practice, peer-group learning and worship. Journey Partners is open to both laity and clergy of all denominations.

“Journey Partners was so important to me because it helped me gain confidence about the unique ministry I discovered God was calling me toward. I also learned about self-care and connected with others who were learning how to go deeper in prayer,” said Marci Turner, a member of Hawkins UMC in Vicksburg.

Lisa Hicks, a longtime clergy spouse shared, “Journey Partners was important to me as it helped me in hearing my call as a Christian and in living out who God has called me to be.”

The Mississippi Annual Conference—empowered by love, generosity, justice and apprenticeship—forms spiritual leaders, faith communities and connections so more disciples of Jesus Christ transform the world.